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Sports Medicine
Published in: Sports Medicine 10/2008

01-10-2008 | Review Article

The Role of Motion Analysis in Elite Soccer

Contemporary Performance Measurement Techniques and Work Rate Data

Authors: Christopher Carling, Jonathan Bloomfield, Lee Nelsen, Thomas Reilly

Published in: Sports Medicine | Issue 10/2008

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Abstract

The optimal physical preparation of elite soccer (association football) players has become an indispensable part of the professional game, especially due to the increased physical demands of match-play. The monitoring of players’ work rate profiles during competition is now feasible through computer-aided motion analysis. Traditional methods of motion analysis were extremely labour intensive and were largely restricted to university-based research projects. Recent technological developments have meant that sophisticated systems, capable of quickly recording and processing the data of all players’ physical contributions throughout an entire match, are now being used in elite club environments. In recognition of the important role that motion analysis now plays as a tool for measuring the physical performance of soccer players, this review critically appraises various motion analysis methods currently employed in elite soccer and explores research conducted using these methods. This review therefore aims to increase the awareness of both practitioners and researchers of the various motion analysis systems available, and identify practical implications of the established body of knowledge, while highlighting areas that require further exploration.
Footnotes
1
The use of trade names is for product identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.
 
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Metadata
Title
The Role of Motion Analysis in Elite Soccer
Contemporary Performance Measurement Techniques and Work Rate Data
Authors
Christopher Carling
Jonathan Bloomfield
Lee Nelsen
Thomas Reilly
Publication date
01-10-2008
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Sports Medicine / Issue 10/2008
Print ISSN: 0112-1642
Electronic ISSN: 1179-2035
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200838100-00004

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